Please log in

or

Register now for free

or

Choose your profile *

Email *

A valid e-mail address. All e-mails from the system will be sent to this address. The e-mail address is not made public and will only be used if you wish to receive a new password or wish to receive certain news or notifications by e-mail.

Password

Username *

Newsletters

Higher education updates from the THE editorial team

World University Rankings news

If you do not wish to be contacted about offers, products or services from THE/TES Global then please check this box

Pharmaceutical company boss Patrick Vallance has been confirmed as the next UK government chief scientific adviser.

The clinical pharmacologist, who previously led the medical division at UCL, is due to step down from his current role as head of research and development at British pharmaceutical giant GlaxoSmithKline.

He replaces Sir Mark Walport, the previous permanent holder of the post who is now the new head of UKRI, and will take over from interim adviser Chris Whitty in March next year.

As chief scientific adviser Dr Vallance will advise the prime minister and cabinet members. He will also lead the Government Office for Science, promoting the use of scientific evidence in policymaking across government.

Responding to the announcement, Sir Robert Lechler, president of the Academy of Medical Sciences, said: “Patrick will bring a unique wealth of cross-sector experience and knowledge to the role. I extend my warmest congratulations to him and can sincerely say that we look forward to working with him in his new position.”

“At GSK, he showed exceptional scientific leadership and led moves towards greater openness and partnerships, recognising that the biggest societal challenges can be solved only by working together across all sectors, across borders and with society,” he added. “His appointment…comes at a critical time for UK science and I very much look forward to working with him in his new capacity.”